Page 7 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

M y gaze haunts Bianca’s rushed stride toward the horse barn.

I haven’t taken my eyes off her since she returned from that unexpected disappearance.

She left too abruptly for me to tag along, but I tracked her location to an unfortunately familiar area.

There’s been a sinking feeling in my gut ever since.

I adjust the brim of my hat and consider the repercussions. Bianca hates me enough as it is. If the truth of my past comes out, she’ll never speak to me again. Can’t see much of a future if that happens.

Damn, I’m in too deep. What started as a forbidden attraction to my best friend’s younger sister became a full-blown obsession when she blossomed into an undeniable need.

Toss in the protective instincts I gained along the way and here we are.

The intensity borders on panic at times, which is why I don’t let her roam too far.

I almost lost my mind after she left unannounced this morning. Darkness threatened to consume me, along with the demand to chase her. Those urges were about to take the wheel, even just to follow her home, but then she pulled into the driveway.

My thoughts are still in tatters as I watch her from the shadows behind the tool shed. I’ll be on her ass for the rest of the day. It’s not rational or normal and I’ve learned to accept that.

These stalker tendencies didn’t exist until I met Bianca Benson.

If she knew the lengths I’ve gone to in recent years, she’d probably run or have me arrested.

I’d almost like to see her try to get rid of me.

The tightness in my chest only eases when I have her in my sight.

She’s awoken parts of me that were better left sleeping, but there’s no shaking me loose now.

Satisfaction carves my lips into a smirk.

As if determined to push me from hiding, Bianca bends to pet a dog that’s run up to her.

She gushes all over the pampered pit bull while sticking her ass in the air.

Lucky pup. Not sure which one this is. There are too many to count.

Her bleeding heart rescues the lost causes from shelters and rehabilitates them into faithful companions.

Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to her—in hopes she’ll give me a life worth living.

But I’ll never let myself have her. It’s not like she’d argue.

That doesn’t stop me from stepping onto the gravel path behind her. Bianca turns at the sound of my approach. Her friendly smile slips into a scowl when she realizes it’s just me.

“Colton.” She mutters my name like a curse.

I walk forward until her bewitching scent fills my lungs and calms me. “Hey, Princess.”

Bianca’s eyes flick from my baseball hat to the ink covering my arms, trailing lower over my shirt and belt buckle that leads to the bulge beneath my zipper.

She sputters as the denim stretches tighter under her admiration.

I should be ashamed of my body’s reaction, but the blush staining her cheeks is far from offended.

Her gaze remains on my swelling cock and she traps her bottom lip between her teeth.

The urge to thrust my hips forward to give her a better view flexes my muscles.

After a thick pause, her gemstone green eyes lift to the sky while she mutters something that sounds like a prayer for patience. “Why are you following me?”

It’s almost comical that she believes this is a rare occurrence, but my expression remains neutral.

“I wanted to make sure you’re okay.” My gaze drops to her right hip to avoid confusion.

When the joint seized and she crumpled in pain, it felt like a whip lashing across my skin. Failure drilled into my bones while I watched her suffer. There wasn’t anything I could do. Not that I’m in a position to extend open arms for support. Any attempt wouldn’t be welcome.

Which Bianca confirms by crossing her arms in a defensive pose. “I’m fine.”

“Looked like a bad one.”

Her sigh is a blatant dismissal. “You’re off the clock, Cowboy. Time to find a new victim to harass.”

I almost smirk in the face of her sass. As if I care about anyone but her.

Well, that’s not entirely true. Brody is my best friend.

More like a brother. He found me at my worst and gave me a purpose.

If I’d stayed on my own any longer… I grimace at that alternative.

It would’ve destroyed me. But thanks to him, I don’t have to worry about succumbing to the past. That’s why I’ve kept my distance from his sister—out of respect—but then he went and hired me to guard her.

It’s almost like he knew I was already doing the deed for free.

Another annoyed huff escapes the woman in front of me.

Our gazes collide. There’s something churning in hers.

That intuition from earlier has me widening my stance, preparing for the firing squad.

But Bianca stays quiet. I’m more than familiar with this attitude she insists on serving me.

Her stubborn silence chaps my ass and she knows it.

My irritation spikes when she presses her lips into a firm line, making me do the honors.

“Say it,” I rasp.

Her chin lifts. “What makes you think I have anything to say to you?”

I know you better than you think, Princess. But I don’t reveal that. It won’t earn me any favors after the mess I made in Germany. There’s just so much left unsaid between us. A new complication is the last thing I need in this uphill battle.

The tension between us strangles me until it’s difficult to drag in a full breath. “There’s something on your mind. Let me have it.”

Bianca’s pause is heavy as she considers how hard to jab. “Where did you grow up?”

“Outskirts of Cloverleaf Meadows.” Which is the middle of fucking nowhere.

“Is your family still there?”

It’s a struggle to keep my expression devoid of emotion. “Not sure.”

Her brows pinch inward. “You don’t talk to them?”

The thought alone sours my stomach. “Haven’t kept in touch.”

“Why not?”

“How about you tell me why you’re asking instead,” I drawl.

“I met your dad.” She thinks on that for a beat before adding, “Or that’s who he claims to be.”

Fuck, it’s worse than I thought. “And?”

She falters, clearly expecting a different response. “He wants me to pass along a message.”

“I’m not interested in hearing it.”

“Okay.” Bianca averts her stare. “Guess I’ll deal with him on my own.”

Fury blisters under my skin and I bristle. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Why do you think he accepted Echo as payment from Uncle Jimmy?” Her deadpan tone isn’t appreciated. “It got my attention. Now Daddy Dearest wants to use me to get to you.”

I lunge forward until we’re almost touching. “Did he threaten you?”

To her credit, she barely bats an eyelash at my proximity. “Not really, but I’d prefer if it doesn’t reach that point.”

Old wounds rip open in a painful slash that curls my hands into fists. “I’m gonna kill him for roping you into his illegal shit.”

“Let’s not be extreme.”

“You’re right,” I mutter. “He deserves worse.”

Her eyes bulge. “What’s worse than death?”

“That’s for me to worry about.”

“Uh-huh, sounds familiar. I’m just supposed to pretend everything is sunshine and rainbows.”

“It’s dangerous, Princess. You need to stay far away from him.”

Bianca scoffs. “Too late.”

The uncertainty of this situation makes me itchy. I hate that we’re miles apart while standing so close. It’s my fault but I can’t convince her to trust me when she knows better. Not until I take out the trash.

“I’ll handle him from here, okay?”

“Just like that?” She snaps her fingers.

That lack of faith offers me a challenge. It’s a chance to prove myself and protect her in one swoop. I shift closer until my height towers over hers. Bianca just shoots me an annoyed glare. My lips almost twitch. So damn sassy.

“You think I won’t?”

Her laughter lacks any trace of humor. “Oh, I’m well aware of your dedication to a task. You’re still hounding me even though I’m home safe and sound. The job is done, Cowboy. I’m not your problem anymore.”

“That’s what you think,” I rasp.

“Very funny. If I’m such a pain in your ass, allow me to quit for both of us.” Bianca spins on her heel and resumes stomping to the barn. Her glare skewers me over her shoulder. “And stop following me.”

I give it approximately five seconds before going directly against her wishes. My steps shadow her fuming silence until we’re almost at the door.

“Seriously?” She whirls back around, hands parked on her curvy hips. “I’m going for a quick ride. There’s no harm in that.”

“Then you shouldn’t care if I watch.”

“Fine, have it your way.” No sweeter words have been spoken. But then she adds, “Nobody ever listens to me.”

That stops me short—false as it is—but she doesn’t get too far ahead. One problem at a time. Eventually, I’ll reveal just how much control Bianca Benson has over me.